Garlett off to Hawthorn

Swan Districts prodigy Dayle Garlett finally gets his chance on an AFL list, and he's going to a power club straight away - Hawthorn.

Garlett, 19, was chosen at No.38 in the AFL national draft on the Gold Coast today. He was Hawthorn's second pick.

WA's top draft pick was Dom Sheed, who will stay in his home State and join West Coast. Sheed, who played for Subiaco this year, was No.11 overall.

Cam McCarthy (South Fremantle) was picked at No.14 and he goes to Greater Western Sydney.

Blake Acres is off to St Kilda, who chose the West Perth teenager at No.19.

A Western Australian midfielder who won the Larke Medal for the best division one player in the Under-18 Championships, despite suffering a broken collarbone. Sheed wins his own footy around stoppages; a telling reflector of his strong work ethic. Despite not displaying prolific speed, he has a mature body and is expected to feature in his first year in the AFL system. The left-footer is also catching the eye of recruiters for his decision-making by both hand and foot, especially in and around traffic. Averaged 28 disposals and six clearances in the Championships and was a dominant force against the other top under-18 talent in the country.

A 2013 U18 All-Australian, Cripps was one of Western Australia’s better performers in this year’s NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. The third cousin of West Coast’s Jamie, he averaged 19 disposals in the Championships – many of which were contested. At 190cm and 90kg, the one-touch player is among the most highly regarded stoppage players in the draft. Cripps was among his state’s most influential players in the final round of the Championships against SA, winning 21 possessions and nine clearances. His ability to work his way through traffic caught the eye.

Compared to Nat Fyfe, the leaping West Australian turned to footy in his teens, having come from a cricket background. An impressive NAB AFL Under-18 Championships catapulted him into top-20 contention. He stepped up to deliver the game-winning goal against Vic Country in round four of the Championships, before suffering a broken leg in the final round against South Australia. A great mark and shot for goal, he is also highly rated for his ability to read the ball in flight.

A versatile prospect with good endurance, Acres has shown he can adapt to any role asked of him. A shoulder injury suffered early in the season threatened to derail his NAB AFL Under-18 Championships for Western Australia, but he returned for the last two games of the carnival and made a handy contribution. Having spent time playing senior football for West Perth, Acres showed he is equally adept at rebounding off half-back and cutting up opposition sides with his slick disposal. Strong overhead and wins the football on the inside and outside.

Developing, athletic ruckman who can take contested marks and is also competent at ground level for his size. Distributes the ball well to his midfielders. Comes from a basketball background and shows deft touch with his ruck work. Has developed the ability to push forward and present an imposing target.

Medium midfielder who attacks the footy at every opportunity. A strongly built player with an appetite for the contest who is rarely beaten one on one. Possesses elite endurance. Missed the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships because of a shoulder injury.

Strong-bodied medium midfielder who thrives on the inside and applies enormous amounts of pressure on the opposition. Displays clean hands under pressure and is a strong overhead mark. Versatile and can push forward if needed.

The talented Sandgroper was one of those overlooked at last year’s draft, with recruiters less concerned about his evident on-field abilities than his off-field temperament. The cousin of Carlton small forward Jeff, Garlett is a medium forward with a dynamic left foot which he uses well, both around goals and in setting up the play. He has the ability to find space consistently and excels at stoppages. He was an All Australian at Under 18s level in 2012 and has put himself firmly back into draft contention with an excellent senior year with Swan Districts, kicking 48 goals.

Tall defender with good ability to read the ball in flight. Comes off his opponent at the right time to affect the contest and uses the ball smartly on the counter-attack. Possesses a penetrating and accurate left foot that can carry the lines, complemented with a strong overhead mark.

Born in Kenya of Sudanese heritage, Aliir is a tall defender who has developed into a rebounding defender. Can also go forward and kick goals. Strong overhead with good natural leap. Moved from Queensland to WA this year and has represented both states in the AFL Under-18 Championships in the past two years.

Medium forward who is strong overhead and has excellent hand/foot skills. Makes good decisions under pressure particularly in close. WA Under 18s representative in 2013. Has progressed to reserve level in WAFL and impressed.